After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 124

Primordial Secret Realm, deep within the Bone Mountain.

Ye Li and Qin Yixuan did not leave immediately. The deaths of the three Nascent Soul stage “Dark Eye” members, while temporarily removing the imminent crisis, also meant their location might be completely exposed. No one could guarantee that a stronger expert from the enemy was not already on their way.

“We need to leave this place as soon as possible, but before we leave, we must ensure we are in peak condition, and… leave no clues behind,” Ye Li said, her gaze sweeping over the area where the battle had just taken place. Aside from some residual energy, the three black-robed figures had completely vanished into nothingness; even the pure shadow energy had been ground away by the Samsara Sword Intent.

Qin Yixuan nodded in agreement. Although her injuries were not severe, she had expended a great deal of energy protecting Ye Li earlier and needed time to recover. Ye Li had just broken through to the Divine Ability Realm, and while her cultivation was stable, she still needed to further familiarize herself with her newly acquired power, especially the application of the Six Paths Samsara Sword.

The two found a more concealed bone mountain fissure, one that was naturally disturbed by chaotic magnetic fields, and once again set up layers of restrictions, beginning to consolidate and recover quickly.

Ye Li sat cross-legged, looking inward. In her Dantian, the chaotic, ice-blue Divine Ability Talisman seed slowly rotated. Strands of Divine Ability power flowed through her body, resonating with the laws of ice, sealing, and even a faint trace of Samsara in the heavens and earth. She meticulously comprehended the fundamental difference between the Divine Ability Realm and the Nascent Core Realm. It was not merely an increase in power, but a leap in the level of “Dao” cognition and application.

The Nascent Core Realm was more about accumulating and controlling one’s spiritual power, borrowing the power of heaven and earth. The Divine Ability Realm, however, was about initially condensing the laws one comprehended into a “Divine Ability Seed,” thereby being able to more directly draw upon, or even slightly alter, the surrounding law environment to unleash “Divine Abilities” that contained the power of laws!

The profound mystery of the Six Paths Samsara Sword flowed through her heart. This divine ability, originating from the Samsara Mirror, possessed unparalleled power, but its consumption was also terrifying, especially the extremely high demands on soul power. With her current initial Divine Ability Realm cultivation, unleashing it at full power would likely not sustain more than a few sword strikes. Moreover, the power of Samsara involved causality, and its use required extreme caution to avoid inviting trouble upon herself.

“It seems that besides improving my cultivation, the tempering of my soul must also keep pace,” Ye Li realized. She began to try using her Divine Ability power, combined with the Nether Sovereign Emperor Sutra and the Ice Emperor Sealing Heaven Art, to deduce a combat method more suitable for her current realm, better integrating the artistic conceptions of extreme cold, sealing, and Samsara.

Several days passed quickly in quiet cultivation.

When Ye Li opened her eyes again, the divine light in her pupils was restrained, and her aura was complete and vast, having completely stabilized her Divine Ability Realm cultivation. Her control over her own power had also reached a higher level. Qin Yixuan had also recovered to her peak state, and a blessing in disguise, she refined her control over her own divine nature origin a bit more during the process of guarding Ye Li’s breakthrough.

“It’s time to leave,” Ye Li rose, her gaze piercing through the bone mountain toward the direction of the vaguely visible, towering altar deep in the secret realm. Although she was filled with curiosity about the altar and the chaotic light mass, especially their connection to Qin Yixuan’s Divine Maiden origin, the presence of strong enemies meant this was definitely not the time for exploration.

The two no longer hesitated. They concealed their auras, chose a direction opposite the altar that they judged to be the exit based on the secret realm’s fluctuations, and moved stealthily.

Along the way, they encountered a few groups of other prodigies; some were fighting with guardian beasts for an ancient herb, some were studying ruins in a certain relic, and others were like startled birds, cautiously avoiding others. Everyone looked quite haggard, clearly indicating that the month in the Primordial Secret Realm had been no smooth journey.

Ye Li and Qin Yixuan ignored the others and rushed directly to their destination. With their current strength, as long as they didn’t provoke trouble, there were few existences in the secret realm that could threaten them.

A few days later, a burst of strong spatial fluctuation and a faint sound of clamor came from ahead. A huge, shimmering light gate, like a water curtain, appeared at the end of their vision. That was the exit of the secret realm!

Dozens of prodigies had already gathered near the exit, all with extraordinary auras, but most looked fatigued, and quite a few were injured. They gathered in small groups, whispering to each other, their eyes occasionally sweeping toward the exit light gate, showing both the relief of leaving a dangerous place and a hint of worry about the situation outside the secret realm.

When Ye Li and Qin Yixuan arrived together, the somewhat noisy exit area instantly fell silent.

Everyone’s eyes focused on them simultaneously.

Shock, disbelief, reverence, jealousy, scrutiny… all kinds of complex emotions were unreservedly revealed in the eyes of those prodigies.

“It’s them! The Northern Region’s Twin Prodigies!”

“They’re actually alive?! Weren’t there rumors they were targeted by ‘Dark Eye’ people?”

“Wait… their aura… Hiss… Divine Ability Realm?! That Ye Li, she broke through to the Divine Ability Realm?!”

“How is that possible?! She was only at the middle Nascent Core stage before entering the secret realm! It’s only been one month!”

“Qin Yixuan’s aura has also become even more unfathomable… What heaven-defying opportunity did they get in the secret realm?”

The whispers rose like a tide, everyone stunned by the vast aura of the Divine Ability Realm emanating from Ye Li. Breaking from the middle Nascent Core stage straight to the Divine Ability Realm in one month—this was simply an unheard-of cultivation speed! Even the inheritors of Imperial Clans and Holy Lands in the Central State could never achieve this!

Top-tier prodigies like Xuanyuan Potian, the Young Palace Master of Star Palace, and the Holy Son of Ten Thousand Monster Valley now looked at Ye Li with gravity and fear. They could clearly feel that Ye Li had not only broken through her realm, but the faint, heart-stopping law profoundness emanating from her put enormous pressure on them.

Especially Xuanyuan Potian, he had been defeated by Ye Li, and initially thought it was a close loss, believing he could redeem himself once he broke through to the Divine Ability Realm. But now, Ye Li had stepped into the Divine Ability Realm before him, and the gap between them had not only failed to shrink but might have grown even larger!

Ye Li and Qin Yixuan were oblivious to the surrounding discussions and glances. They walked straight to a relatively empty area near the exit, quietly waiting for the secret realm to open. Their temperaments—one clear as ice, the other gentle as water—stood together, yet formed their own space, discouraging others from approaching easily.

Soon, the exit light gate stabilized. The voices of the three Great Powers presiding over the secret realm from the outside were transmitted through the light gate:

“Time is up. All survivors, exit the secret realm immediately!”

Figures rushed into the light gate impatiently.

Ye Li and Qin Yixuan exchanged a look and stepped into the light gate side by side.

The familiar sensation of spatial transition came. The next moment, the two appeared on the central plaza of Heavenly Emperor City!

Dazzling sunlight, noisy human voices, dense and peaceful world spiritual energy… a stark contrast to the dead silence and chaos within the secret realm.

The area around the plaza was already packed with people! Besides the elders and disciples of various forces who came to welcome their respective prodigies, even more cultivators, having heard the news, came to witness the demeanor of this year’s prodigies, especially the legendary “Northern Region’s Twin Prodigies”!

When the figures of Ye Li and Qin Yixuan appeared on the plaza, the entire plaza first fell silent for a moment, then erupted into an uproar far more intense and prolonged than at the secret realm exit!

“They’re out! They’re out!”

“The Northern Region’s Ice Phoenix, Ye Li! The Mystic Maiden, Qin Yixuan!”

“My heavens! Divine Ability Realm! That Ye Li really is in the Divine Ability Realm!”

“One month, breaking through several stages, straight into Divine Ability! What kind of monster is this?!”

“It seems the rumors in the secret realm were true! They not only obtained a monstrous opportunity but also counter-killed a ‘Dark Eye’ Divine Ability cultivator!”

The roar of sound surged to the sky, and countless eyes focused on them like spotlights. On the stone stele recording the battle records of the prodigies, Ye Li and Qin Yixuan’s names were hung high in the front, and the annotations below, such as “Suspected slaying a Divine Ability cultivator” and “Cultivation broke through to the Divine Ability Realm,” triggered countless gasps and hot discussions.

On the high platform, Recluse Muyun and Mister Shui Jing looked at their disciples, whose demeanor surpassed the past, with expressions of uncontrollable relief and pride. Even the few Great Powers from the top forces looked at Ye Li with astonishment and scrutiny.

“This girl… is truly extraordinary,” the white-bearded Old Ancestor of the Primordial Jiang Clan sighed, stroking his beard. “Although the Primordial Secret Realm has opportunities, to break through to the Divine Ability Realm in one month requires not only foundation and comprehension but also great fortune. The Northern Region is likely to rise because of her.”

The Palace Master of Star Palace’s eyes were deep: “What’s even rarer is that she seems to have comprehended an extremely powerful law profoundness… It seems the structure of the younger generation in the Spirit Realm is about to be rewritten.”

An Elder from the Xuanyuan Imperial Clan looked somewhat displeased. Although Xuanyuan Potian also gained a lot, reaching the peak of the Nascent Core stage, compared to Ye Li’s Divine Ability Realm, he was undoubtedly overshadowed.

Ye Li and Qin Yixuan ignored the surrounding clamor and walked straight towards the areas where the Profound Cloud Sect and the Azure Water Pavilion were located.

“Master.”

“Pavilion Master.”

The two bowed to Recluse Muyun and Mister Shui Jing, respectively.

“Good! Good! It’s good that you’re back!” Recluse Muyun looked at Ye Li, feeling the profound aura on her that even he found somewhat hard to penetrate, and repeatedly said “good” with excitement. Mister Shui Jing was also all smiles, nodding slightly to Qin Yixuan, his eyes full of approval.

After a brief exchange of greetings, Ye Li secretly transmitted a message to Recluse Muyun, briefly explaining the encounter with “Dark Eye” in the secret realm, her breakthrough, and the counter-kill. Of course, she did not mention the core secret of the Samsara Mirror, only saying it was a mysterious inheritance obtained from the secret realm.

Recluse Muyun’s expression became solemn upon hearing this. “Dark Eye”… he had vaguely heard of this mysterious organization; their actions were secretive, and their methods ruthless. He never expected them to extend their reach to the Prodigy Convention and target his disciple and Qin Yixuan.

“This matter is not trivial; we’ll discuss the details when we return,” Recluse Muyun said in a deep voice, a cold light flashing in his eyes. Regardless of who the opponents were, they must be prepared to pay the price for daring to touch his Cloud Pill Peak disciple!

Subsequently, the Prodigy Convention Council announced the final ranking and rewards for the secret realm trial. Ye Li and Qin Yixuan, with their outstanding performances (especially Ye Li’s breakthrough to the Divine Ability Realm and the suspected slaying of a Divine Ability cultivator), unsurprisingly tied for the top spot, receiving the most generous rewards, including massive amounts of top-tier cultivation resources, several precious Divine Ability secret technique rubbings, and a qualification to cultivate in the Central State’s “Ten Thousand Laws Origin Pool”!

This reward once again drew countless envious gazes. The Ten Thousand Laws Origin Pool was a sacred place for enlightenment that even many veteran Divine Ability Realm cultivators yearned for!

After the award ceremony, various forces began to gradually withdraw.

However, the names and deeds of Ye Li and Qin Yixuan spread like a whirlwind across the entire Central State at an astonishing speed, and began to spread to other regions of the Thousand Domain Spirit Realm!

The title “Northern Region’s Twin Prodigies” completely resounded throughout the Spirit Realm! Especially Ye Li, who stepped into the Divine Ability Realm at less than twenty years old, setting the (public) record for the youngest Divine Ability Realm cultivator in the history of the Spirit Realm. She was hailed as the “Prodigy of the Ages,” and her fame peaked for a time!

Countless forces began to re-evaluate the status and potential of the Profound Cloud Sect and the Azure Water Pavilion in the Northern Region. Many young cultivators regarded Ye Li and Qin Yixuan as idols and goals. Of course, many more forces developed a keen interest in the “secret realm treasures” and “mysterious inheritance” they obtained, and countless eyes were secretly spying.

Ye Li knew all this, but she didn’t care. Strength was the foundation for dealing with all turmoil.

After returning to the Profound Cloud Sect’s temporary residence in the Central State, Ye Li immediately contacted Lin Feng through the Shadow Pavilion’s special channel.

In the secret chamber, Lin Feng looked at the Pavilion Master before him, whose aura was profound and who had already stepped into the Divine Ability Realm. He was overcome with emotion and bowed: “Congratulations, Pavilion Master, on your great leap in cultivation and for shaking the Spirit Realm with your fame!”

“Mere vanity,” Ye Li waved her hand, her expression serious. “I have two tasks for you.”

“Please command, Pavilion Master!”

“First, utilize all resources to fully investigate the organization ‘Dark Eye.’ I want to know their strongholds, members, the power behind them, and… what their so-called ‘Corroding Realm’ plan is!”

“Second,” Ye Li’s gaze was sharp, “Riding on the momentum of the great fame Yixuan and I have gained this time, it is time for the Shadow Pavilion’s tentacles to formally penetrate the Central State. Select capable and reliable people, carry resources, and quietly enter the Central State in various forms, such as trade organizations, intelligence posts, or even by attaching to certain small and medium-sized forces, to establish strongholds and weave a network. Remember, in the early stage, focus on lurking and gathering intelligence, and strictly avoid exposing any connection with the Profound Cloud Sect and me.”

Lin Feng’s heart tightened, and he immediately understood Ye Li’s grand strategy. This was to leverage personal prestige to establish a foothold for the Shadow Pavilion in the center of the Spirit Realm! He suppressed his excitement and solemnly responded: “Understood, Pavilion Master! I will not fail your trust!”

With Lin Feng taking the order, an invisible great net began to quietly spread toward the prosperous and complex Central State, fueled by the storm raised by the “Northern Region’s Twin Prodigies.” Ye Li was fully aware that individual power was limited. To contend with “Dark Eye” and the potential former great enemy behind them, to uncover the truth behind her parents’ disappearance, and to cope with the mysterious “Corroding Realm” plan, she had to possess her own network of influence.

Upon leaving the secret realm, they were no longer merely talented disciples but had officially stepped onto the ever-changing stage of the Spirit Realm, becoming key figures who would stir up the situation across the four quarters. The road ahead was destined not to be peaceful, but Ye Li was prepared. Her Divine Ability Realm cultivation, the deep background of the Samsara Mirror, the hidden development of the Shadow Pavilion, and her life-and-death partner by her side were all the confidence she needed to face all future challenges.

A greater storm, perhaps, was just beginning to brew.